The test drive is the most important moment when buying a used car. This is where you find out whether a vehicle delivers what the listing promises. Allow plenty of time and don't just drive once around the block.
Start with a cold engine. A healthy unit fires up immediately, runs smoothly and doesn't smoke blue or white. When accelerating, look for steady power delivery, and when shifting, for clean gear changes without jolting or grinding.
Choose a varied route: city, country road and, if possible, motorway. This lets you test the car at low and high revs. Brake firmly and check that the car stays on track and the steering wheel doesn't vibrate.
Listen carefully: rattling in the suspension, whistling from the turbocharger or grinding from a wheel bearing are warning signs. Finally, check all electrical components – windows, air conditioning, infotainment and driver assistance systems.
Note every irregularity. Small defects are a good argument on price, larger ones a reason to walk away.